This is such a great story and ending to the series. The couple are ones that you can easily identify with. I could swear I saw hints in the ending of things to come in future series. That makes it so much better while I wait!.
The Reluctant Retiree
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Braden Hughes is the last of a long line of illegitimate descendants from the great kings of Wales… and the syndicate kingpin of Cardiff. I know his secret and he wants me back at any cost.
Carys
Five years ago I knew love until I saw something I shouldn’t have and ran!
He has been hunting me since I disappeared that fateful night.
But now he is not the only one hunting me…
Braden
Four years, eleven months, two weeks and six days.
That is how long she had been gone when we found her.
But someone else found her first …
The Reviews!
Roxanne Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars End of the series
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2022
Verified Purchase
This fourth book winds up the saga of the UK shifter/protectors. Again we have a Dominant alpha male and a strong willed, highly intelligent female who is anything but submissive. He's keeping secrets from her for fear of losing her but could lose her for being less than forthcoming. Still when they are united in purpose, they are a force to be reckoned with. While not a cliffhanger, the end introduces the prospect of a continuation of the characters in a new series. Gotta love Delta James for her creativity and imagination
Mom2three
VINE VOICE
5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing finish
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2022
Verified Purchase
I didn't want this series to end, but since it has to this was the best way it could have happened. I loved Carys and her fiestiness. I also loved Braden and his over the top Alpha-ness. The story was fantastic and had all the action and heat I've come to love about Ms. James, and the HEA was spot on. I like that the stories in this series can be read as stand alone a, but I always recommend reading them in series order
Sara B.
VINE VOICE
3.0 out of 5 stars Good, but just not my favorite Delta James book.
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2022
The 4th book in the Syndicate Masters has a storyline that grabs you attention and keeps it until they very end of the book.
Both main characters have strong personalities, Braden is a very dominant alpha who when he sees what he wants, he makes sure he claims it.
Braden gradually sweeps Carys off her feet and she is later installed in his castle, and treated as if she is Mistress of his clan. Their passionate relationship blows up when Carys sees something she shouldn’t have seen and that Braden had kept secret. But she doesn’t give him the chance to explain or ask him any questions - she just runs and hides from him for years.
Due to not being open, Braden loses his fated mate for nearly 5 years. They get a second chance when Braden pulls an very alpha move that changes the dynamic of their relationship that may cost him what he really wants. Actions have consequences and Braden doesn’t realize his actions aren’t justified because those actions made him feel better. He seems to have not learned his lesson on keeping secrets from Carys and almost loses her again.
The story is compelling and the characters are engaging on the surface, but I just don’t connect with a book when authors separate a couple over miscommunication or secrets, and especially when the separation extends for several years! I’d rather the characters have a blow up fight, then cool off and discuss what’s going on or what they thought happened vs reality - ya know, actually be adults instead of running away.
My frustration with the extended separation increases when the female is presumed or said not to have any relationships while apart, and then alternatively, the male waits a short time before he just has to give in to his uncontrollable sexual urges and have sex with other women.
In this case, and in my opinion, him thinking about the love of his life while using someone else for a sexual release just boils my blood and makes it even worse. To outright use one woman while claiming another is the love of your life is just BS and demeaning. Just no. This also really does nothing to propel the storyline along, it just detracts from the sexiness of the male character
I found it almost impossible to find Braden to be a romantic or loving male. Yes, Carys ran away from Braden, but his actions and intentionally keeping secrets is what put her in the position to freak out and run. I feel he is doubly wrong and then how he reclaims her just is a step too far. As much as I wanted to like this alpha male, he just pushed too many of my buttons. Carys’ actions are also frustrating and hit some of my hit buttons.
The majority of books I’ve read by Delta James are easily solid 5-stars reads. My opinion on this book only being a 3-star is my opinion and I’ve spelled out what upset me, but this is my opinion because you may have an entirely different tolerance for those plot points.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Rhonda Hicks
VINE VOICE
5.0 out of 5 stars engaging to say the least
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2022
'The Understanding' is the fourth book in Delta James' "Syndicate Masters" series. I have to admit this one had a more dramatic, adventurous feel to it. Perhaps a bit more drama. Braden, the Alpha of the Smilodon Sabretooth Clan, often referred to as the Beast of Penarth has known Carys is his fated mate but doesn't actually meet her until the day of her mother's funeral when he attends to pay his respects. For some reason that causes her mother's extended family to become rude and hostile towards the man. But as time progresses Braden maneuvers himself to be at the coffee shop where Carys goes and they wind up seeing each other. There are several miscommunications between these two and because both have such strong personalities it plays havoc on the D/s relationship Branden is trying to cultivate with Carys. Twists and turns in the story, along with a plot for murder, keep it engaging to say the least. Of course, it's a Delta James paranormal fated-mate relationship so you know the chemistry is off the chart. I was thrilled when they finally got their happy ending and then the guests showed up and we have a whole new scenario playing out. I can't wait to see where Ms. James takes us on this one
Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree 